The Zika Virus has become a major concern for the the World Health Organization. The mosquito-borne illness may be linked to birth defects including microcephaly in newborns. Dr. Samantha Morton of Carolina Women’s Physicians, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, was a guest on WLTX to talk about what moms-to-be in South Carolina need to know about this virus.

Here are some notes from Dr. Morton’s interview:

1. The Zika Virus is transmitted by a mosquito that has previously bitten someone who has the virus.

2. While the mosquito that can carry the Zika Virus is in South Carolina, no patients have been diagnosed with the Zika Virus from a mosquito that has bitten them in the United States.

3. There is some evidence that the Zika Virus may be responsible for causing some birth defects including microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s brain does not grow properly during pregnancy. But so far, there is no definitive link.

4. The only people who need to be concerned right now are individuals who have traveled to areas that are endemic for the Zika Virus, including South America, Central America and Mexico. for this particular virus. If you have symptoms, talk to your health care provider.

5. Pregnant women should avoid travel to the countries where cases have been diagnosed.

WLTX morning news anchor Ashley Izbicki is expecting her first baby. We’re happy to help share this exciting time with her by offering advice from our OB/GYNs about pregnancy in the TV station’s Wednesday #BumpDay segments.

After receiving her medical degree, Dr. Greene went on to complete an internal medicine internship at Grand Rapids Medical Education & Research Company in Grand Rapids, Mich. before completing her OB/GYN internship and residency in Columbia.

Prior to joining Carolina Women’s Physicians, Dr. Greene served as an assistant professor and associate program director for the University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her special interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, cervical cytology and histopathology, benign disorders of the vulva/vulvodynia, and pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

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